How do the Inner Development Goals support deeper implementation of the WFG Act?

The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) provide a framework that underpins the changes we need to make to how we do our work, in order to apply the five ways of working. The IDGs enable the foundational shift that we need to make to increase our collective capabilities for sustainability. 

Why are the IDGs important? 

The IDGs provide this vital role because they: 

• Are based on evidence – collected from thousands of active practitioners and researchers across the world in response to the question: what is it that needs to change for human beings to become sustainable? 

• Link directly, through this research, to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Ways of Working embedded in the Well-being of Future Generations Act  

• Support us to take an analytical, systems-based approach to solving problems in innovative and creative ways 

• Focus on the inter-relational rather than on individual skills or practices 

• Invite us to think more deeply about whatever we are doing 

How can we put the IDGs into practice? 

We can use the IDGs to analyse our own and other’s behaviours in ways that can enable us to get better at implementing the five ways of working. 

The IDGs can help us delineate a problem that we are facing that we don’t know how to solve. 

The IDGs support us in moving from inefficient linear systems to more effective trans-disciplinary and circular ways of working. 

What steps can I take to further my inner development and that of my organisation?  

Practice is the best way to progress your inner development. You may like to try some of the behaviour changes recommended in the Ways of Working Behaviour Manual, which has been developed by the Welsh Government in practice through their behaviour change programme.

You can also access this Behavioural Practice Framework which summarises some of the techniques in the manual. 

There is a self-service mini-workshop guide (15 minutes) to help you explore the manual – you could use this with your team or individually. 

Try this poem to start a meeting – you could use this with your team or individually.

Access guidance on including the voice of nature in committees/boards/groups and events. 

You can also book onto a free one hour interactive course that links the five ways of working and the IDGs.

How can I connect with other people practising the IDGs? 

Wales is establishing a national IDG Centre, to connect people practising inner development, jointly led by the Welsh Government and the Future Generations Commissioner’s team.  

This work is underpinned by a network of supporters, people and organisations, who are interested in, or already involved in, embedding IDGs in Wales. 

Monthly online Zoom sessions are offered on Wednesdays from 4-5pm providing a space for people to share experience and compare practise. 

Let us know if you want to join the network or the Zoom sessions by contacting Sustainable.Futures@gov.wales